Birding

Kiptopeke State Park

757-331-2267, kiptopeke@dcr.virginia.gov

Kiptopeke State Park is located on the southern tip of Virginia's Eastern Shore. As the weather shifts in the fall, birds and butterflies migrate south along the Atlantic Flyway and are funneled down the Delmarva Peninsula until they reach the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Many different species of raptors, songbirds and butterflies stop here to feed and rest before making the long journey across the bay.

Type of birds

Visitors should be on the lookout for Brown pelicans, several species of waterfowl, loons and cormorants, turkey, raptors such as bald eagles, American kestrels, and Red-tailed hawks, shore birds such as killdeer, plover, and sandpipers, doves, gulls, Great horned owls, Eastern screech owls, various jays, swallows, chickadees, wrens, mockingbirds, warblers, thrushes, sparrows, cardinals, blackbirds and finches, who all make regular appearances at the park.

Best time of year to observe

September through December is primetime to see raptors. There are 14 species of hawks that frequent the park. Birders will also enjoy their encounters along the parks trails and waterfront where several species of songbirds, raptors and others can be found year round. Owls, for example, are year-round residence, but most active in the warmer months.

Best places in the park to observe

The Hawkwatch Platform provides an excellent vantage for birders and is manned by the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory September through December. Guests are always welcome atop the platform and can learn about the 14 species of hawks that frequent the park. Guests can also find birds along the trails and waterfront.

Special birding programs and events

For guests looking for a new birding experience, we suggest participating in the park's early bird hikes, ranger-led wagon rides & owl prowls, or one of the guided paddles programs to see wildlife from a fresh perspective.

See all Birding Events

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